REDDITCH is set to benefit from a major transport boost, with more than 25 extra trains a day planned for its rail line.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the improvements as part of the Midlands Rail Hub during a session in the House of Commons.
The boost follows questions from Chris Bloore, MP for Redditch and the Villages.
Mr Bloore said: "Rail bottlenecks choke regional trade and hold back Redditch businesses.
"Delivering the Midlands Rail Hub is fundamentally both pro-business and pro-worker.
"The Midlands Rail Hub is not just a transport project.
"It is an investment in the future of our economy.
"I welcome the progress being made.
"I particularly welcome the confirmation that the Redditch line will benefit from over 25 additional services a day once the scheme is delivered.
"I will continue to push Ministers and Network Rail to maintain momentum.
"I will ensure Redditch gets the connectivity it needs to play its full role in the region’s economic future."
During Department for Transport oral questions, Mr Bloore pressed the Transport Secretary for an update on the timeline for critical engineering upgrades.
In response, Ms Alexander confirmed that detailed design work is officially underway for the first phase of the Midlands Rail Hub.
She said: "We are progressing the first phase of the Midlands Rail Hub to increase capacity in Birmingham.
"It will also enable over 25 additional trains a day on the Redditch line."
An alliance of industry partners has been appointed by Network Rail to design the required infrastructure.
Consultations are under way on corridor upgrades between Birmingham Moor Street and Bordesley.
The Midlands Rail Hub is a flagship investment project led by Midlands Connect and Network Rail.
It aims to increase train capacity, reduce bottlenecks and improve service frequency across the West and East Midlands.
The scheme is expected to bring more reliable journeys and better business opportunities to Redditch and surrounding areas.
New services are planned to launch in the 2030s.
Mr Bloore argues that improved rail links will help attract investment, support growth and strengthen Redditch's connections to the wider region.
The upgrades form part of a broader vision to enhance rail connectivity and drive long-term economic development across the Midlands.
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